Whether you’re following England to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ticking off another country from your travel bucket list, or combining the tournament with a wider adventure, millions of UK travellers will be heading overseas to experience the excitement.

From famous footballing nations to long-haul destinations, every trip offers the chance to create unforgettable memories.

While most holidays go to plan, unexpected illness or injury abroad can be costly. Medical treatment varies significantly from country to country, and in some destinations, even routine care can result in bills worth thousands of pounds.

To highlight the potential costs, we’ve analysed recent medical claims made by UK travellers across a range of World Cup nations, comparing the average medical claim for travellers aged 0–65 with those aged 66 and over. The findings reveal just how important it is to have Travel Insurance that matches your destination and your needs.

Average Medical Claims Costs by Destination

The following aren’t estimates but real claims from real travellers. They demonstrate why choosing Travel Insurance that matches your destination, medical history and travel plans is particularly important.

It’s also worth noting that while the average medical claim for travellers aged 0–65 visiting the USA was £6,833, claims involving older travellers averaged £33,399, highlighting how costs can increase significantly depending on age and the nature of treatment.

Why Major Sporting Events Increase Travel Risks

Travelling to the World Cup is an unforgettable experience, but major sporting events can also increase the likelihood of unexpected problems.

Large crowds, long travel days, unfamiliar environments, hot weather and alcohol* can all contribute to illness or accidents. At the same time, local healthcare services may be under additional pressure, and in some countries hospitals may require payment or proof of insurance before treatment begins.

Without adequate Travel Insurance, travellers could be responsible for paying for:

• Diagnostic tests
• Ambulance transport
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital stays
• Prescription medication
• Medical repatriation back to the UK

In some cases, a single medical emergency could cost more than the entire trip itself.

Don’t Overlook Cancellation Cover

For many fans, the biggest financial risk happens before they even leave the UK. World Cup trips often involve expensive flights, accommodation and match tickets booked months in advance. If illness or another insured event forces you to cancel, the cost could run into thousands of pounds.

It’s important to check that your Travel Insurance provides enough cancellation cover for the total value of your trip. If your holiday costs more than your policy’s cancellation limit, additional cancellation cover could help protect the full cost of your holiday.

To help travellers with higher-value trips, Just Travel Cover has introduced Boost Cancellation Insurance, a new standalone product that provides up to £25,000 per person in additional cancellation cover on top of an existing Travel Insurance policy. Underwritten by Starr International (Europe) Limited, it is designed to provide extra financial protection when the total cost of a holiday exceeds the cancellation limit included with a Travel Insurance policy.

Easier Medical Screening

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions has traditionally been one of the more time-consuming parts of arranging Travel Insurance. Today, the process is much simpler, with travellers only needing to declare medical conditions from the last five years.

This makes arranging cover:

• Faster
• Easier
• Less stressful
• More accessible

while still ensuring policies are assessed fairly and accurately.

Final Whistle

Emergency medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive, and major sporting events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup can increase the chances of unexpected disruption.

Whether you’re travelling to the USA, Canada or Mexico to support your team or simply planning your next overseas holiday, having the right Travel Insurance means you can enjoy your trip with confidence, knowing you’re protected if things don’t go to plan.

*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Always check your policy wording.